SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Accidental Downshifts w/Steering Wheel Button
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
Likes: 37
From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Accidental Downshifts w/Steering Wheel Button
I’ve been occasionally, accidentally downshifting when my finger inadvertently touches the shift button when holding the wheel at the 9-3 position. It’s upsetting to see those RPMs fly as I scramble to get back to D. The button is pretty sensitive. Does anyone else run into this? Thanks in advance for feedback.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
I’ve been occasionally, accidentally downshifting when my finger inadvertently touches the shift button when holding the wheel at the 9-3 position. It’s upsetting to see those RPMs fly as I scramble to get back to D. The button is pretty sensitive. Does anyone else run into this? Thanks in advance for feedback.
If you had paddles in your car, it might make accidentally hitting them far less likely (worth considering if you ever used your shift buttons intentionally). I manufacture the "Mercedes Paddle Converter" module that makes paddles plug and play on these cars (2003-2006 SL55/65, CLS55/65, S55/65, CLK55, SLR Maclaren, and 2003-2004 E55) and I modify wheels for paddles.
However, if you just wanted to eliminate the buttons (and lose the functionality), merely disconnecting the buttons would NOT solve your problem (as it would make your car think that you are ALWAYS hitting the "UP" switch). You would need to make a bypass (using a Zener diode and resistor in series) to plug-in in place of your current shift button harness. I could walk you thru that if you want to send me an email (or I could help you with upgrading to paddles if you wanted to go that direction instead). Feel free to send me a note at Latemodel21@yahoo.com
Cheers,
Chris
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 280
Likes: 37
From: Lincolnshire, IL
2005 SL55 AMG
Thanks, Chris. I don’t mind the functionality even though I don’t use it (at least deliberately). I have been curious about paddles, but only found the cheapo plastic ones. How much is your module, do you provide paddles, too and how involved is the installation? I’m fairly handy. Thanks in advance.
-David
-David
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Thanks, Chris. I don’t mind the functionality even though I don’t use it (at least deliberately). I have been curious about paddles, but only found the cheapo plastic ones. How much is your module, do you provide paddles, too and how involved is the installation? I’m fairly handy. Thanks in advance.
-David
-David
The paddles I use on all installs is the mercedes 171 267 0046 (set) (I even use these on all of the Porsche paddle conversions that I do for DCT motorsports and MA Carbon). If you look around, you can find them online for $150 to $200 for the pair (I buy them in quantity from Mercedes and sell them for $150/pair to my customers). The "Mercedes Paddle Converter" module (plug and play digital to analog converter for 2003-2006 SL55/65, CLS55/65, S55/65, CLK55, SLR Maclaren, and 2003-2004 E55 ) Can be purchased from Forum Sponsor DCT Motorsports, Comandonlineuk, and directly from me. The list price of the module is $199, but there is occasionally a discount available to forum members.
I normally charge forum members $150 to modify a mercedes wheel for paddles, but you can do it yourself if you are handy (I can send you some info/pictures that will help). Another option is to look for a 2007-2008 SL55/65 wheel or 2007 and later w211 sport wheel (as they come from the factory set up for paddles and will work with your airbag).
Feel free to send me an email at Latemodel21@yahoo.com if you have more questions or want me to send you some info.
Cheers,
Chris
Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 4
2005 SL65
Nothing to worry about.
While it may be annoying and disconcerting to see the revs go up suddenly, safe to say it’s nothing to worry about in terms of hurting anything. Modern electronically-controlled transmissions typically won’t shift into an unsafe gear.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 531
Likes: 88
From: EDH, CA.
2012 E63 AMG
The high revs can however, fry some electrical parts. I hit the paddle to slow down when someone pulled in front of me and blew a SAM module. Of course this was much better that a wreck, but the car subsequently went into limp mode and I had to be towed home on a holiday weekend - at night. Once the car was shut off, absolutely nothing worked, including putting the top up for the 100 mile trip home.
I have the same fears as the OP - you just have to watch it.
Fortunately, shifting isn't as quick as current models and I think most are able to react quick enough to abort the gear change when this happens.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 4
2005 SL65
Yes, I believe you that the SAM blew at that moment. That high revs would have caused it? Eh... that I’m having difficulty believing. What’s much more likely is that it was going to blow at some point, and undoubtedly something else would have been happening at the same time. Wipers could be on, talk radio playing, driver chewing gum. As a very smart man repeats to me frequently, correlation does not imply causality.
The very act of braking itself throws a small physical shock into the system, a change in acceleration (deceleration occurred)... a tiny solder on a SAM circuit joint could have been holding on by 5 molecules and a prayer, and that slight nudge was all it took to finish the job. But just the act of an rpm change? Hard to logically justify that statement.
Of course. There are lots of control surfaces in any car and whether you inadvertently turn on the wipers or cruise control (to this day I grab the cc stalk in the SL instead of the turn signal), so you’ve got to be aware. But luckily for us, practically none of them in a modern car would have catastrophic results if engaged. Point being, it sounds like the amount of stress you’re having is more than necessary. Relax and enjoy your Mercedes!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 531
Likes: 88
From: EDH, CA.
2012 E63 AMG
My instance wasn't an over-rev condition - period. It was just a hard "shock" on the vehicle. The red battery light came on immediately and I was able to turn the light off by hitting the up arrow on the steering wheel. About 10 miles later I was in limp mode. I understand what you're saying, but the "shock" definitely caused the issue. Even if it was time for the SAM to go (or fall out of it's socket). Just trying to answer the OP with my experience in what I have run into. I understand what he is going thru with his downshifting concern. Done it many times with no ill effects.
I agree with you that this car "should be" built to a standard where we don't have to worry about high revs when downshifting. Take me for a fool, but I have blown a right rear tire in my old Ford pick up doing a break stand up and down the street. **** happens.
I agree with you that this car "should be" built to a standard where we don't have to worry about high revs when downshifting. Take me for a fool, but I have blown a right rear tire in my old Ford pick up doing a break stand up and down the street. **** happens.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Quite frankly, I don’t know that you’ve got accurate cause and effect relationship identification here.
Yes, I believe you that the SAM blew at that moment. That high revs would have caused it? Eh... that I’m having difficulty believing. What’s much more likely is that it was going to blow at some point, and undoubtedly something else would have been happening at the same time. Wipers could be on, talk radio playing, driver chewing gum. As a very smart man repeats to me frequently, correlation does not imply causality.
The very act of braking itself throws a small physical shock into the system, a change in acceleration (deceleration occurred)... a tiny solder on a SAM circuit joint could have been holding on by 5 molecules and a prayer, and that slight nudge was all it took to finish the job. But just the act of an rpm change? Hard to logically justify that statement.
Of course. There are lots of control surfaces in any car and whether you inadvertently turn on the wipers or cruise control (to this day I grab the cc stalk in the SL instead of the turn signal), so you’ve got to be aware. But luckily for us, practically none of them in a modern car would have catastrophic results if engaged. Point being, it sounds like the amount of stress you’re having is more than necessary. Relax and enjoy your Mercedes!
Yes, I believe you that the SAM blew at that moment. That high revs would have caused it? Eh... that I’m having difficulty believing. What’s much more likely is that it was going to blow at some point, and undoubtedly something else would have been happening at the same time. Wipers could be on, talk radio playing, driver chewing gum. As a very smart man repeats to me frequently, correlation does not imply causality.
The very act of braking itself throws a small physical shock into the system, a change in acceleration (deceleration occurred)... a tiny solder on a SAM circuit joint could have been holding on by 5 molecules and a prayer, and that slight nudge was all it took to finish the job. But just the act of an rpm change? Hard to logically justify that statement.
Of course. There are lots of control surfaces in any car and whether you inadvertently turn on the wipers or cruise control (to this day I grab the cc stalk in the SL instead of the turn signal), so you’ve got to be aware. But luckily for us, practically none of them in a modern car would have catastrophic results if engaged. Point being, it sounds like the amount of stress you’re having is more than necessary. Relax and enjoy your Mercedes!
wow, I am definitely going to be using this (the next time my girlfriend blames me for ANYTHNG).
100% agree that a downshift alone (intentionally or accidentally) could never cause the symptoms that Nor-cal experienced unless there was some compromised component/module to begin with. The TCU wont let the car downshift into an overrev situation, and if the trauma of sudden deceleration made something let go ... then there was something about to let go already.
Cheers,
Chris
